Dr Erin Hill

Erin is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with CSIRO Health and Biosecurity.

Erin’s research focuses on developing environmental DNA (eDNA) protocols for genetic sampling from European honeybee (Apis mellifera) hives to detect biosecurity threats present in the environment. This includes honeybee pests and pathogens, as well as invasive weeds and plant pathogens. The key aims of this project are to develop non-intrusive sampling techniques that are accessible to non-specialists and explore strategic hive deployment strategies in the field to maximise the detection of taxa. A metabarcoding approach to detect multiple taxa of interest simultaneously is being used throughout this research.   

Erin completed her PhD in 2021 at La Trobe University (Melbourne), where she developed a forensic DNA profiling system for the hog deer (Axis porcinus) and investigated the population structure of the species for invasive species management purposes. She has since worked on several invasive deer species present in Australia to assist with ongoing management, as well as a number of eDNA studies investigating diet and food web reconstruction, and predator detection from animal remains.